Enter the Smokiverse, Woven, Caol Ila

Mr Dram Man
Aug 1
3 min read

Three Whiskies, Three Visions: Smoke, Innovation, and Craft

The whisky world continues to evolve—driven not only by tradition but also by curiosity, collaboration, and craftsmanship. Today, we explore three strikingly different yet equally compelling whiskies: one a bold experiment in Islay smoke, one a pioneering English blend, and one a beautifully composed independent bottling from a beloved distillery. Together, these drams offer a fascinating glimpse into the present—and future—of whisky.

Ardbeg Smokiverse: Smoke Reimagined

From the windswept shores of Islay comes Ardbeg’s Smokiverse, a whisky that pushes the limits of peat and process. Always at the vanguard of smoky single malt, Ardbeg breaks new ground here by introducing a rarely used technique in Scotch: the high-gravity mash. By increasing the ratio of solids in the mash, the distillery has created a denser, more flavour-concentrated wash—one that amplifies Ardbeg’s signature peat in both intensity and complexity.

The result is a whisky with remarkable depth and weight. Matured in a combination of first-fill bourbon barrels and specially selected toasted oak casks, Smokiverse manages to strike an exquisite balance: intense smoke layered with spice, char, and a touch of refined sweetness. 94/100

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Plumes of bonfire smoke and scorched earth, backed by notes of smoked applewood, hot tar, and a hint of treacle toffee.
Palate: Dense and oily, with waves of smoked barley, black pepper, dark chocolate, and clove. Mid-palate reveals hints of toasted oak, vanilla, and anise.
Finish: Long, powerful, and ashy, with lingering charcoal, cracked pepper, and a gentle undercurrent of burnt orange peel.

Woven Experience N.22 – ***Pastures New*: An English Milestone**

If Ardbeg represents mastery honed by centuries, Woven represents the excitement of a new chapter. Based in Edinburgh but often working outside geographic borders, Woven has developed a reputation for transparency and creative collaboration. With Experience N.22 – Pastures New, they’ve turned their focus to England—and made history in the process.

Described as the first blended English whisky, this release is less about ticking a box and more about capturing a moment. Built from a range of English producers—each with their own style, grain, and methodology—Pastures New is a reflection of both diversity and unity. Born out of Woven’s London studio and forged through partnerships, it celebrates innovation without ego, and craft without constraint.

This is a whisky not of one distillery, but of a movement—one that respects tradition but isn’t bound by it. It’s a glimpse into the potential of English whisky, and a toast to those willing to create something new. 87/100

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Floral and bright with elderflower, cut grass, pear drops, and a touch of lemon zest. A soft cereal backbone adds warmth.
Palate: Light and textural, with flavours of white peach, barley sugar, and chamomile. Subtle oak spices and honeyed grains emerge mid-palate.
Finish: Clean and refreshing, with lingering notes of citrus peel, hay, and a whisper of vanilla.

Signatory Vintage Caol Ila 9 Year Old: Familiar Smoke, New Depth

For those who appreciate smoke tempered with subtlety, Caol Ila needs little introduction. Nestled on the northeast coast of Islay, it produces some of the island’s most elegant, approachable peated whiskies. With this 9-year-old Signatory Vintage bottling, the distillery’s signature profile is elevated through careful maturation in first-fill oloroso sherry butts and bourbon hogsheads.

That combination creates a whisky with both depth and balance. The bourbon casks lend structure and vanilla undertones, while the sherry butts introduce a richer, darker fruit character. The smoke is still there—quietly assertive and maritime—but it now weaves through layers of dried fruits, spice, and a warming winter richness. 90/100

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Soft wafts of coastal peat, with dried figs, roasted nuts, sea breeze, and a hint of struck match.
Palate: A harmony of sweet smoke, red berries, salted caramel, and toasted almonds. Subtle cinnamon and sherry-driven depth.
Finish: Gently warming with smoky embers, fruitcake spice, and lingering maritime salinity.

One Spirit, Many Expressions

These three whiskies—Smokiverse, Pastures New, and Signatory’s Caol Ila—show just how far the world of whisky has come, and how wide its boundaries now stretch. Whether you’re drawn to Islay’s technical innovation, the collaborative spark of a new English standard, or the timeless depth of a thoughtfully matured single malt, there’s a glass here for every kind of whisky lover.

And perhaps that’s the most exciting part of all: whisky has never been more varied, more inclusive, or more adventurous. Here's to what’s next.

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